People who suffer from arthritis are always looking for ways to relieve their pain. One way to ease or even prevent it is through an arthritis diet. There are some arthritis diets that some people will swear by, but have never been proven to make a difference. There are some diets that make a definite difference according to health experts.

First well take a look at some arthritis diets where theres little or no evidence that they actually make a difference. One of the most common arthritis diets is to eliminate potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and most peppers. While the diet wont do any harm, it hasnt been proven to affect arthritis at all. Another arthritis diet seeks to reduce the acids in ones body eliminating sugar, coffee, red meat, most grains, nuts, and citrus fruits. Its intended to be followed for just one month. People may feel better because they lose weight which reduces the stress on their joints, but again there is no evidence to support this. It also excludes many sources of vitamin C which is essential in fighting arthritis. Drinking green tea has been shown to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis in mice, but there are no conclusive results on human studies yet. Shark cartilage is supposed to relieve arthritis. Animal and lab studies show promise, but there are no human studies to support this yet.

Not lets take a look at some arthritis diets that have been shown to work. Switching fats can reduce inflammation. Eating fats found in red meat and poultry have actually been shown to increase inflammation. Switching to cold water fish can help reduce the inflammation. Using corn, safflower, and sunflower oils also helps. Another arthritis diet is the ASU avocado-soybean unsaponifiable. It has been shown to relieve osteoarthritis, stimulate cartilage repair, and lessen a patients need to NSAIDs to control pain. Ginger has been shown to ease pain and inflammation as well as protect the stomach from gastrointestinal effects from taking NSAIDs. Glucosamine is a supplement that relieves pain in some patients with osteoarthritis. It helps the body rebuild cartilage, but can take up to two months to see the effects. If you are allergic to shellfish, check with your doctor before taking this as it is derived from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells. Before taking any supplements talk with your doctor as some can interfere with or worsen side effects from your medications.

Of course the best arthritis diet is a good old-fashioned well balanced diet. Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables, and go easy on fats and cholesterol. A heart healthy diet is especially important to patients with rheumatoid arthritis as studies have shown a link between this disease and heart failure. Vitamin C is good for repairing body tissue. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, build bone mass, and prevents bone loss. Calcium helps strengthen your bones. If you are on medication, ask your doctor if heshe recommends taking vitamins. Some medications can create vitamin or mineral deficiencies. When choosing your arthritis diet, be sure to talk with your physician as different types of arthritis have different needs.

DISCLAIMER This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural andor dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Everyone experiences pain at some point in their lives in fact, pain is the most common reason why people visit the doctor or require health care services.

What type of people must deal with pain?

80 of hospitalized patients
37 of cancer patients in long term care facilities
55 of home health patients
Heart attack sufferers 1.2 million
Those with headaches 5 million
People with acute lung diseases 4 million
Dental problems 3 million
Digestive problems 10 million
Musculoskeletal disorders 6 million
26 million people between 20 and 64 years of age that suffer from back pain
80 of people over 65 are affected by arthritis and musculoskeletal pain
1 American in 6 has painful arthritis

In some instances pain is a natural part of life that you can control with over-the-counter painkillers, meditation, or other methods. For others, such as those suffering from arthritis, pain is an everyday occurrence, and can be quite severe and more difficult to manage.

There are three main types of pain

Somatic pain Occurs in the skin, muscle or bone. Ever felt an aching, throbbing or feeling of pressure? Then you have probably experienced this type of pain.

Visceral pain Affects the body’s internal organs and cavities. This is a pain that creates a gnawing, cramping or sharp sensation.

Neuropathic pain Results from damage to the nervous system. Can be experienced as a burning, shooting, or pins-and-needles feeling.

Pain can be characterized as mild, moderate, or severe. Pain categories are used to help physicians select the most effective pain medication.

Mild BPI rating of 1-4 aspirin, acetaminophen Tylenol, or NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Aleve.

Moderate BPI rating of 4-6 tramadol Ultram, codeine, hydrocodone Vicodin, or oxycodone OxyContin

Severe BPI rating of 7 or above morphine, hydromorphone Dilaudid, or fentanyl Actiq.

Pain management is important if you want to live each day to its fullest without unnecessary suffering. Pain can negatively affect all aspects of your life and inhibit your ability to carry out simple tasks, such as eating regular meals. It can impact your sleeping patterns, drain your energy, alter your mood and make it difficult or impossible to accomplish daily chores and responsibilities.

Pain management, if done right, makes it possible to lessen or eliminate pain and suffering. The best way to achieve this is to treat the cause of the pain, through the proper use of pain medication. Other pain relief techniques, such as relaxation, can be used in conjunction with medicine to achieve the best results.

Often, doctors prescribe more than one medication to achieve adequate pain relief. Combining two different pain medications is an effective control method because you can give the patient a good dose of medicine, thus providing optimum relief, without administering too much of one drug. Just remember its always best to deal with pain as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to control, so make sure you communicate well with your physician andor caregiver to attain the best results.

How you handle pain and medication depends on your personal physiology, so caregivers are never 100 certain what method of pain control will work for you. Medication may not be able to rid your body of pain entirely, but if it significantly alleviates the amount of pain you experience, enough to allow you to eat, move, and breathe easily, that is considered successful pain management.

1 in 3 adults in the United States currently suffer from chronic joint symptoms or arthritis. Arthritis is a complex disorder that has more than 100 conditions, the common symptom persistent joint pain and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis OA is the most common form. 21 million adults suffer with OA in the United States. It is associated with either an injury or unusual stress to that joint, usually from a work-related repetitive injury or physical trauma. Also known as Wear and Tear, OA is an erosion of the cartilage that normally envelops the ends of the bones in the joint; they begin to rub together causing pain. Damaged joint tissue can cause the release of a substance called prostaglands, which also contributes to the pain and swelling. As the cartilage wears away, the joint may lose its normal shape. The bone ends thicken and the bone at the edge of the joint may grow outward and form bony spurs. Fluid filled cysts may form in the bone near the joint and bits of bone or cartilage may float loosely in the joint space causing severe pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis RA affects many joints and in some, other body parts as well, including the blood, lungs and heart. It can cause inflammation of the tear glands, salivary glands and the lining of the heart and lungs. You may also suffer with fatigue, occasional fevers, morning stiffness, muscle aches, loss of appetite and weakness. RA is an inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium; the affected joint may lose its shape, resulting in the loss of normal movement. RA affects 2.1 million Americans; the disease is 2 to 3 times more common in women than men, and younger children can develop RA as well. RA is an autoimmune disease; this means that the bodys natural immune system attacks healthy joint tissues, initiating a process of inflammation and joint damage. RA can cause joint destruction in as little as 1 to 2 years after the onset. The bones of the joint erode causing pain and deformity. Tendons become inflamed and may tear apart. With RA white blood cells that are part of the normal immune system travel to the synovium and cause it to become inflamed. During this inflammation, the cells of the synovium grow and divide abnormally. The abnormal cells begin to invade and destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. The surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons that support the joint become weak and unable to work normally. All these effects lead to the pain and deformities seen in RA. Long-term joint inflammation will affect the ability to perform daily tasks. Early diagnosis can minimize pain and disability.

Scientists just recently found a common link between the major chronic diseases; they believe it to be low level chronic inflammation, they have not linked it to all diseases but a vast majority, such as, Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart disease, Cancer, Alzheimers and a long list of others. Our bodies are brilliantly designed. When there is any type of injury, trauma or disease, no matter what the action is, there is a reaction from our body to protect and heal itself inflammation. We need inflammation in order to heal, its basic function is to make the tiny vessels in our tissue become larger so the white blood cells, that normally dont fit, can now squeeze into these small spaces and begin the healing process. Other cells help control the inflammation response and others stop any bleeding. Sometimes the inflammation response becomes angry and instead of helping the body it turns on itself creating chronic inflammation. Inflammation starts with the COX 2 enzyme. COX 1 preserves platelet function needed for blood clotting and protects the stomach lining. COX 2 causes inflammation and pain. COX 2 has been found in brain and spinal cord tumors as well as in the brains of Alzheimers patents causing degeneration of the brain tissue from the inflammation. There are several forms of Arthritis such as, Bursitis, Gout, Fibromyalgia, Scleroderma and the many more. They are all linked to inflammation and the COX 2 enzyme.

When the COX 2 enzyme was discovered, an inhibitor was needed, medications such as VIOXX now off the market due to side effects and Celebrex were created, Super aspirins with Super side effects.
What are the most common side effects of CELEBREX?
Indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
More serious side effects are; Chance of serious heart problems, such as heart attacks or strokes, which can lead to death. Stomach and intestinal problems, such as bleeding and ulcers, can occur without warning and may cause death.

The best solution is the discovery of a natural food source that inhibits the inflammation and pain problems that are associated with COX 2 without disturbing the COX 1 that is critical in protecting the stomach lining and the bloods ability to clot.

The South East Asians have been eating and using a fruit called Mangosteen for centuries to treat all types of aliments. Scientists have been studying the mangosteen fruit for the last 20 years; they are in agreement with the South East Asian people that it heals without side effects. You can go to www.pubmed.gov and type in Mangosteen. The Mangosteen fruit decreases the level of COX 2 in your body, some inflammation occurs at the injury site but it is controlled and less severe. Mangosteen can aid in the healing process, it helps to ensure that the inflammation doesnt turn into chronic inflammation which then leads to chronic disease. Mangosteen can aid those people that are already suffering with chronic disease such as arthritis in much the same way. Mangosteen can relieve the swelling of inflammation and inhibit the COX 2 enzyme that causes pain. How life would change without chronic pain!!! How dose Mangosteen do this? One word Xanthones. Xanthones can only be found in nature. They have been widely studied for their medicinal properties. Xanthones support microbiological balance, sustain the immune system; improve joint movement and supports mental heath. Xanthones are stable, super charged anti-oxidants. The Aloe Vera plant contains one Xanthone while the Mangosteen fruit contains to date, an identified 41, the number keeps growing as they are discovered and these Xanthones are diverse in their abilities to help heal the body. The Mangosteen fruit contains the highest number of Xanthones ever found in one food. For more information you can call toll free 1-888-374-4148 and listen to a message about the Mangosteen fruit and its powerful healing abilities.

He was only a child when it begun
And he played as children do
In his yard with his toy cars and tip trucks
But his sand was asbestos blue

In December 1999, my husband and I were walking home from a game of lawn bowls when I became aware of his shortness of breath. I was surprised and concerned when he told me that he had experienced this on several occasions. Believing this to be due to chest a infection, I made a doctors appointment for him the next day.

Chest X-rays revealed fluid on the lungs, over two litres of which was drained, giving Brian immediate relief, but it was a tense wait for the pathology results. Through the Internet I had become aware of several conditions which may have been responsible for fluid on the lung; these included asbestos- related diseases. Brian had lived in Wittenoom as a child and I was afraid of his diagnosis. Not wanting to worry him unnecessarily, I did not mention my fears to him. I prayed that he had pleurisy or pneumonia but the pathology results revealed that there were cancer cells present.

When Brian finally received his diagnosis, my worst nightmare became reality. He had pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lung caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust. We found it inconceivable that the disease was the result of Brian inhaling asbestos dust as a child and that it had lain dormant for forty-five years before become lethal.

We were still reeling from the shock when, without preamble, the young doctor gave his prognosis. His exact words were, Three to nine months, I reckon. That he could say this so unfeelingly amazed me. His total lack of compassion did not encourage even the small comfort of tears. I felt as if Brian and I had been shot and from that moment on we were waiting to drop.
Undoubtedly, were mortally wounded. We suffered shock, disbelief, anger, helplessness and utter despair; in fact all the symptoms of grief one feels when a loved one has actually died. Suddenly, we had no control over our lives, our journey through terminal illness had begun.

Throughout the course of our married life my deep love for Brian and my determination to resolve difficulties had seen us through many trials. I found it hard to believe that nothing could be done to save his life and begun surfing the Internet for information regarding mesothelioma, all the time praying for a miracle, hoping against hope to find a doctor who had successfully operated on or cured someone of it.

It was a sad realization to discover that for Brian there were no miracles; however, I learned a lot and it helped me to accept that he was dying. With my acceptance came a fierce determination to ease his burden. I continued to seek information regarding mesothelioma and the pain and symptoms Brian would experience, due to the progression of his disease. In this way, I came to understand the importance of pain management and symptom control and realized that although I could not stop Brian from dying I could help him to live.

My acquired knowledge regarding pain and symptom management enabled me to communicate with Brian and to understand the type of pain he was experiencing and the intensity of that pain. I was then able to work hand in hand with his doctors, to bring his pain and symptoms under control. As my efforts resulted in his improved quality of life, I lost my sense of helplessness and gained strength.

Together, we achieved for Brian, a quality of life few thought possible, considering the nature of his disease. Testament to this, despite his prognosis of three to nine months, Brian survived for 2 years, remained active and alert, drove his car for eighteen months after diagnosis and was not bed bound until three short days prior to his death.
Brian’s courageous battle with mesothelioma came to an end on the 24th December 2001; he passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 54 years old.

It is very common to find the ankle joint afflicted by injuries and the most common form is sprain. Anatomically, various ligaments that are stretched or torn surround the ankle joint when it is forced to land in varied unnatural positions. This is of common occurrence during exercises, playing certain sports or accidentally.

The usual presentation could be an individual landing his foot forcefully on an uneven surface or the foot is turned inwards suddenly with force. This force in-turn stresses the ligaments that normally help stabilize the outer part of the joint. There might be a history of sudden snappop when this type of injury happens.

The ankle sprain ranges in severity from grade-I to grade-III, depending on the extent of injury to the ligament. An examination of the ankle reveals swelling and discoloration due to the accumulation of blood and fluid. The X-ray is an integral part of diagnosis as it rules out the possibility of fracture. An MRI examination provides a conclusive picture of injuries to various ligaments.

Prolonged immobilization in cases of ankle sprain is a common treatment error. Early mobilization stimulates collagen bundle orientation thereby promoting healing and regaining the range of motion.

Improper rehabilitation may result in instability vis–vis a balance deficit that increases the risk of re-injury. Returning to activity without proper healing or inadequate rehabilitation can also lead to instability. Patients can be declared fit to return to normal activity only after taking into consideration the following points

1. When there is a full range of motion of the ankle.
2. Ability to walk without a limp.
3. 80-90 per cent strength when compared to normal ankle.
4. Pain-free hopping possible on the affected limb.

The patients not treated adequately experience a feeling of giving away of the ankle. On an uneven surface, while climbing stairs, such individuals are good candidates for recurrent ankle sprain.

Treatment at the initial stage aims at reducing post-injury swelling, bleeding and pain especially during the first 24 hours. Hot fomentation should be avoided as it increases swelling. Avoid Aspirin intake as it prolongs the blood clotting time thereby increasing bleeding.

Give rest to the affected joint. Keep the leg and foot elevated by placing a pillow. This will reduce pain and swelling. Give ice treatment for 15-20 minutes every one or two hours.

PROTECTION OF THE ANKLE during the initial healing phase is extremely important. Taping, ankle stir-up, bracecrepe bandage and in severe cases leg cast is applied. In some cases crutches are used until pain-free weight bearing is achieved.

Once pain-free motion is attained, strengthening exercises are advised with a stretch band. Sitting on the floor chair, looping band over the foot with the heel on the floor ankle is moved outwards inward, upward and downward.

Heeltoe raises Standing on a step with heels slightly off the step, slowly rise up on toes and then slowly bring the heel down. When this is easily done, exercise only the injured ankle in a pain-free motion.

Balance exercises While standing, raise one foot off the floor and balance on the other foot for a count of 15. Increase the count gradually to 30. Start this exercise with your eyes open, and later on close the eyes also.

Return to activity is advised when the distance travelled by patient is no longer limited by pain then patient can progress to 50 per cent walking and 50 per cent jogging.

Chronic ankle laxity treatment becomes more tedious as it requires proper rehabilitation exercises over a period of time in order to improve the range of motion, to enhance strength and bring stability. If ankle pain is managed properly and well in time the incidence of chronic pain can be effectively reduced.

If youve ever pulled a muscle in your back, or put a rib out of place, youll know how irritating and painful it can be. But did you know that, if left untreated, a back injury can cause permanent damage?

Often, when someone pulls a muscle or injures their back in some way, they will go to the drugstore or the doctor and pick up some medication. Now, there may not be anything wrong with taking medication to help numb the pain, but medication on its own will not fix the problem. Thats why, on the back of the bottle, it will say, Take no more than 4 or 6 pills in a 24-hour period; because the pharmaceutical company knows the medication will wear off and you will need to take more! The best thing to do when you have injured your back is to make an appointment with a chiropractor.

Many people are intimidated by chiropractors because they dont know what chiropractors do. Chiropractors are back doctors they have studied everything there is to know about your back, and they will be able to give you the best advice and treatment for back injuries. There are various treatments a chiropractor may give you, including adjusting your back by applying pressure, using acupuncture or laser acupuncture, and applying heat or cold to the injured area.

The next time you injure your back, by pulling a muscle for example, think about what damage that injury might do if you cover it up with medication. The irritated area will cause muscles surrounding it to tighten and to work harder to make up for the injury. Over time, this can cause damage to a larger part of your back, putting you in more pain than you were in before.

Take the time to look up the phone number of a local chiropractor, either in the phone book or on the Internet. Or, ask one of your friends to recommend a chiropractor. After you have attended your first appointment, you will realize how helpful the chiropractor is, and how he or she will take the time to discuss your situation personally and design the best healing plan for you. Its worth it to make this effort; you will save yourself pain and will give your back the care it needs.

Tips To Help Relieve The Pain

Tension Headaches.

About 90 of all headaches are classified as muscle contraction, more commonly known as ‘tension headaches’. These are the headaches most of us blame on work, bills and arguments. The pain is typically all over the head. You may feel a dull ache or sense of tightness, and it mostly feels like a tight steel band is wrapped around your head. Not everyone under stress gets headaches, but millions of people get them time and time again. For them headaches are a cronic problem.

Migraines.

Migraines have an even uglier reputation than tension headaches. Migraines are part of the vascular headache family and most often strike women. About 70 of migraine sufferes are female.Migraines can be crippling, so much so that migraine sufferers lose millions of workdays each year.

Usually migraines bring severe, throbbing pain to either one side, or both sides of the head. This is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It can even cause blurred vision, and numbness in the limbs.

Trying To Prevent Them.

I myself have suffered for years with tension headaches, so now I try to head them off before they start. Here’s a few tips –

Medication – Take It Now.

As soon as I feel a tension headache coming on, I take a small dose of medication. It’s no use using just a pain killer, you need something that will relax your muscles as well. After all, it’s the tight muscles which are causing the pain in the first place, so it makes sense to relax them. If you know what kind of headache you have, your local pharmacy will be able to advise you on the right medication.

Exercise.

Exercise and has helped me a great deal. Exercise helps you to release stress, so regular exercise and stretching will be real of real benefit. If however you’ve got a severe headache, don’t exercise, relaxation is what you need.

Sleep.

Many people sleep a headache off, but too much sleep can actually cause a headache, so don’t overdo it. I little nap should be all you need to get rid of a headache.

Peace And Quiet.

Excessive noise is a common trigger for tension headaches, so try to find a quiet place where you can sit and relax. Practice some deep breathing exercises at least three or four times a day, you’ll feel better for it.

Protect Your Eyes.

Bright light can cause a headache. Whether it’s from the sun, television, or a computer screen, it lead to eye-strain which can then lead to a headache. So protect your eyes whenever possible, and cut down on screen watching if you can.

Watch Your Caffeine Intake.

If you’re a heavy coffee or tea drinker, then try to cut down, the general opinion is that caffeine can be a cause of headaches with certain people.

Don’t Chew Gum.

The repetitive chewing motion can tighten muscles in the head especially around the jaw and bring on a tension headache.

Cut Down The Salt

A high intake of salt can trigger migraines in some people.

Foods To Avoid.

Food effects everyone differently. Here’s some foods that can cause headaches for some –

Hot dog & mustard – Contains nitrates which dilates blood vessels, this can lead to head pain.

Chocolate – Contains tyramine, a chief suspect in causing headaches.

Nuts & Cheese – These also contain tyramine.

Drinking & Smoking. We all know the problems we get with these two, don’t we ? If you can’t stop either, then cut down. Not only will your health improve, you’ll save a lot of lovely cash as well.

Have A Sense Of Humour.

We all take life too seriously, and we put ourselves under a lot of unecessary pressure. The stresses of modern life will take it’s toll eventually, so lighten up and have some fun before you finish up a wreck !

As a cronic headache sufferer myself, I’ve finally been able to change my life style and keep my headaches under control. Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of problems.

Thank you for reading my article, I hope you’ve found it interesting. Author John Moore … Please use my link.

Anthrax. Smallpox. Plague. Diseases that can kill. Diseases that are now in the hands of terrorists. What if these diseases were released in your hometown, or the place where you work? What could you do if vaccines and treatments were in short supply or unavailable? Is there anything you can do now to prepare yourself and improve your chances of survival?

Herbalist Susun Weed recognizes the possibility of biological warfare and she is ready to cope with it. With her help, you too can be prepared with herbs and home remedies that you can use now to help avoid infection and to build a strong immune system. You can feel safer in these troubling times by learning about herbs that are effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and that can be used in conjunction with, or in place of should there be a lack of modern antibiotics.

Anthrax bacteria Bacillus anthracis enter the body through breaks in the skin or through the nose and lungs. Early symptoms which may take up to a week to occur include reddish-black sores on the skin or in the lymph nodes around the lungs. Hemorrhagic fever and death follows. Treated early, anthrax succumbs to antibiotics and most people 75-80 percent recover completely. Even without treatment, according to some sources, more than half of those infected survive. Genetically-engineered varieties may kill up to 90 percent of untreated victims. The inhaled variety is more lethal because the early symptoms of infection are easily ignored, delaying treatment past the point of most effect, and because pneumonia infections frequently complicate the recovery. Anthrax is not contagious; that is, it is not passed from person to person.

The antibiotic Cipro is one of the treatments approved by the US government for those definitely exposed to anthrax, but neither it nor any other antibiotic can prevent infection. It is dangerous to take antibiotics “just in case” for then they may not work when actually needed. Instead, try these home remedies.

Salt is lethal to bacteria. The simplest home remedy for those worried about exposure to anthrax is to rinse your nose with salt any kind will do mixed into water. Taste your mixture to be certain it is very salty. Getting this up your nose can be accomplished by putting your nose into the salt solution and snorting it in, or you may wish to buy a “neti pot,” a device from India used to rinse the nasal passages. Afterwards, blow your nose and spit out any residue that runs into the mouth.

Yarrow Achillea millefolium has been scientifically shown to kill all gram positive and gram negative bacteria. A small spray bottle of the tincture of the flowering tops can be used to spray the inside of the nose, killing any bacteria lurking there. Spraying tincture in your nose does sting a little and makes the eyes water, but don’t dilute it – the alcohol is antibacterial too.

Garlic has been used to prevent infection for thousands of years; and it still works! No need to upset your stomach and loved ones by eating it raw; cooked garlic retains its antibacterial powers, so long as you eat enough of it. During plague times, healers in some areas wore a “bird’s beak” a stiff cone was made of paper or bark, stuffed with garlic and spices cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and tied on over the nose to help prevent contagion. That’s a little cumbersome for modern times, but inhaling the aroma of a cup of spicy tea there are many blends available, or make your own could help forestall anthrax.

Medicinal mushrooms are not only immune system tonics, they possess antibacterial properties which make them ideal for preventing anthrax infection, according to expert Paul Stametes. A tincture or strong infusion of any shelf fungus with pores can be used, he says. If you prefer to buy your mushrooms, rather than hunt for them, look for reishii Ganoderma lucidum or shiitake Lentinus edodes. Both are adaptogenic, revitalizing, regenerative, and able to directly suppress infection. Side effects, even from large doses, are rare.

Essential oils are antibacterial, and some sources suggest rubbing them inside the nose or spraying the air with these extremely concentrated oils to counter anthrax infections. I don’t. Essential oils are likely to cause a variety of side effects such as damage to the mucus surfaces of the nose and lungs, and stress to the lymphatic system that could, paradoxically, make infection more likely and more virulent.

Cayenne and golden seal are antibacterial, but too strong to be used as preventatives. Snuffing hot pepper up your nose would kill anthrax, but at the risk of irritating your nose and respiratory passages, damaging their protective mucus surfaces, and stressing your immune system. I rarely use golden seal, not only because it can cause severe side effects, but also because it is approaching extinction in the wild.

I prefer safer antibacterial herbs such as Echinacea, usnea, or poke root, which not only kill infection, but also help us keep our immune systems strong. That, of course, is the desired result from immunization to strengthen the immune system and alert it to the possibility of anthrax infection. Anthrax vaccines currently available for animals are not suitable for humans, and one prepared for people is in short supply and only 93 percent effective. To achieve full immunity, one must have immunization shots every two weeks for six weeks, then again at 6, 12, and 18 months. Given that, herbs seem a superb alternative they have an extensive history of countering resistant bacteria and strengthening the body’s natural defenses.

Echinacea root is the all American immune system strengthener. It triggers production of white blood cells, interferon, leukocytes, T cells, and B lymphocytes, as well as directly inhibiting the growth of most bacteria and viruses. Peter Holmes, author of Energetics of Western Herbs, cites it as being effective against anthrax. Echinacea tincture is my first choice for countering infection. Capsules and pills of Echinacea, if used for lengthy periods, may be counter-productive. A dose of the tincture is one drop for every pound of body weight. I take this several times a week as a preventative, several times daily when there is active infection. If I were exposed to anthrax, I would take a dose every hour for at least ten days.

Usnea, a common lichen, is especially rich in a powerful antibacterial bitter called usnic acid also usinic acid. I use the tincture of Usnea barbata a dose is 1-2 dropperfuls, but other lichens show similar immune-enhancing and tonifying properties. There are no side effects reported from use of even large amounts of usnea tincture.

Poke root tincture Phytolacca americana kicks the immune system into gear incredibly fast. Ive seen chronic infection of many years standing resolve after only one dose, and acute infection subside in a matter of hours. Pokes effect seems to be focused on the lymphatic and glandular tissues of the throat and chest, making it the perfect counter to inhaled anthrax, which attacks the lymph nodes around the lungs. Poke is a specific against pneumonia and a protector of the lungs. It contains an antibacterial alkaloid and a special antiviral protein. It magnifies the effects of Echinacea and they work wonderfully well together.

Poke root is powerful medicine – in fact a potential poison – and the dose is very small. One drop of poke tincture may be taken daily for no more than three months as a counter to possible infection. Those with a positive diagnosis could use a single drop as frequently as six times a day. Alkaloids in poke root tincture can accumulate in the kidneys, making extended use risky, though some people have taken doses of 15 drops a day for a year or more without apparent harm. Caution You can feel spacey and out of your body when taking poke, especially at higher doses. The first few times, take it after dinner and stay home so you can judge your reaction.

To be assured of a supply of poke tincture, you may need to make it yourself, as it is rarely found for sale. Poke is a common garden and roadside weed of northeastern North America, tall 5-7 feet with conspicuous dark purple berries and magenta-hued stalks.

Dig roots after hard frost, when tops are dead and yellowed, and tincture, fresh, for six weeks in 100 proof vodka.

Siberian ginseng Eleutherococcus is widely considered the single most effective immune tonic and adaptogen in the herbal realm. Safe and inexpensive, it helps the immune system respond quickly to infection and mitigates the effects of stress. Astragalus root is also an excellent ally for building powerful immunity. Both, or either, may be taken daily for extended periods with no ill effects. I throw several pieces of these roots in every pot of soup I cook. Tincture is less effective as a tonic; and I avoid capsules completely.

Ginseng root Panax quinquefolius or Panax ginseng is another exceptional ally for the immune system, especially when there is physical or emotional stress. In any form tincture, tea, extract it nourishes production of interferon, phagocytes, antibodies, and killer T-cells. So long as you need ginseng, theres no overdose; if you take it when you dont need it however, it may produce an unpleasant, jittery, speedy sensation.

But herbs alone are not enough. What we think, and what we consume, are also important parts of building strong immunity. Candace Pert, visiting professor of neuroscience at Rutgers University, has proven that every cell of the body participates in the immune system through an integrated network of chemical, electrical, and hormonal signals. The immune system is a network, she says, which resonates with the vibrations that surround it. It is as affected by emotions as by bacteria, as impacted by thoughts as by drugs.

Long-standing low-level depression, smoldering anger that is never expressed, bitterness and vengeance projected into the future are all known to depress immune functioning. Prayer, affirmations, positive thinking – no matter what you call it – talking lovingly to yourself builds powerful immunity. One of the fiercest old women I know, healer Margo Geiger, taught me to not only think good thoughts but also to unthink immune system stressing phrases like This is killing me, or Im dying to … Lets live for it! shed say.

Specialized cells which eliminate bacterial and viral infections are made as needed by the immune system. Richly supply your immune system with nutrients, and it easily counters infection, building healthy white blood cells to kill anthrax and other germs. Starve your immune system and it will falter, leaving your lymph nodes and other tissues open to infection and destruction.

My favorite foods for nourishing the immune system include beets, carrots, garlic, medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds, and dark leafy greens including nettle infusion. For rapid results, try miso soup with seaweed and wild mushrooms. Try Immune A Go Go Soup from my book Breast Cancer? Breast Health!

Carotenes strengthen and activate all parts of the immune system, especially the thymus the “master gland of immunity”. A half-cup of dandelion greens, two cups of nettle infusion, a small baked sweet potato, or two large cooked carrots or beets is a “dose”; but ten times that much can be consumed safely. Repeated doses provide a cumulative effect starting about a week after you begin.

Selenium is a trace mineral with special abilities for building a healthy immune system. Best sources are organic garlic, medicinal mushrooms, and astragalus.

Zinc helps build energetic white blood cells which eliminate bacterial infections. Best sources are Echinacea, nettles, and seaweed.

The B vitamin complex, especially B6 pyridoxine, is critical to immune system health. Best sources are potato skins, broccoli, prunes, and lentils.

Virtually all drugs depress the immune system. This includes caffeine and nicotine, alcohol, prescribed drugs, “recreational” drugs, and vitaminmineral supplements. For a healthy immune system, eat nourishing food and forgo the pills.

Both light and dark are necessary for a strong immune system. For optimum immune system strength, sleep in a totally dark room at night, and spend at least 15 minutes a day outside without glasses or contacts. Full spectrum sunlight is needed to trigger the production of important immune system components.

Exercise is an excellent way to tonify the immune system. A number of clinical trials have shown regular exercise to be strongly linked to heightened immunity. The emphasis is on regular. It is better to walk one mile four times a week for a month than to jog 16 miles once a month.

In Summary Strengthen your immune system with a good diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, emotional well-being, and a few of the recommended herbal allies of your choice. Always remember to use herbs and herbal preparations simply and safely. Avoid immune compromising substances such as coffee, tobacco and medications. With a strengthened immune system you will not only enjoy better health, but you will be less likely to be susceptible to infection and possible death from bacterial andor viral invasions. Faith in your body’s ability to protect itself will continue to bolster and reinforce the immune system as your mental well-being improves. Enjoy the upward spiral of health as you follow the path of the Wise Woman Way.

Legal Disclaimer This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed
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Woodstock, NY 12498
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There are many new migraine headache treatments available that can be both safe and effective. Natural treatments for migraine headaches are usually safer and cheaper than traditional pain medications. And in many instances they can relieve pain just as well or even better than prescription or non-prescription drugs. The possibility of a negative reaction to a safe and natural migraine headache treatment is still there, but it is less with most natural treatment methods than it is with pain-relieving medications.

Every person on the face of the earth is unique. Their body chemistry is different than anyone else’s. One person may find relief from their migraine headaches with one type of treatment while someone else may try that same treatment and find no relief at all. No two people will experience the same reaction from the same treatment. But why is that?

Every body is made up of a mixture of chemicals. Every person produces certain chemicals in their body so that they will be able to function at their best. Histamines will increase gastric secretion and dilate the capillaries. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and helps regulate the blood sugar levels. Hormones are produced by the body for many different functions. Adrenaline epinephrine is produced in response to stress. Every body is unique and produces different chemicals in differing amounts. When a person takes aspirin a chemical for their migraine headaches it changes the chemical make-up of that person’s body.

You’ve always heard that when two chemicals, in the same amounts, at the same temperature, etc. are mixed together they will cause the same reaction. That may be true, but when one chemical such as aspirin is taken by two separate people their reactions will never be exactly the same because no two people have identical chemicals in their body. One person taking aspirin will not have the same reaction as someone else taking aspirin. And it’s the same with natural migraine headache treatments. Since no two people are identical no two people will respond exactly the same to a treatment method for migraine headaches.

So just because one migraine headache treatment does not work for one person does not mean it won’t work for your migraine headaches. There are many effective alternatives to taking medications when it comes to relieving migraine headaches. You just have to try one for yourself to see if it will work for you.

One natural and popular treatment method for migraine headaches is chiropractic care, or chiropractic manipulations. Studies have shown that over 80 of headache patients find some type of relief for their headaches with chiropractic treatment. And chiropractic treatment has been shown to be extremely safe. Spinal problems cause headaches and when these spinal problems are treated by chiropractors a high percentage of their patients experience relieve from their pain.

Another natural way to relieve migraine headaches is biofeedback. This is a safe and potentially effective way to eliminate pain. Biofeedback is not actually a treatment, but a training program designed to help a person develop the ability to control their autonomic involuntary nervous system. Functions that are normally automatic in the body, such as blood pressure regulation or heart rate can be controlled voluntarily. This technique makes it possible for a person to control their own heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature or relaxation of their muscles.

It’s no secret that stress causes muscle tension. And nobody will deny that muscle tension causes pain and headaches. And it’s also a fact that by relaxing this muscle tension, especially in the neck and head, it is possible to relieve the migraine headaches or neck pain that is being caused by the tension. With biofeedback the machinery is not always necessary. Once the biofeedback technique is learned there is no longer any need for the equipment. The patient with migraine headaches can now produce the desired effect at any time. A person that has been trained with biofeedback can control some of their bodily functions, such as muscle relaxation, which can help relieve their headache pain.

Another cause of headaches can be the intake of too much salt. Some people just can’t get enough of it. They pour it onto their food with wreckless abandon. And too much salt can and does cause headaches. What’s the solution? Simply lessening the salt intake can sometimes prevent the headaches from occurring.

Food sensitivities have also been shown to cause migraine headaches in some people. Foods such as cheese, alcohol, MSG monosodium glutamate – a food additive, yeast, wheat, nuts, avocados, beans, bananas, oranges and other citrus fruits, pork, vinegar and pickled foods, dairy products, caffeine, chocolate, onions and others can cause migraines. Foods that cause migraine headaches are called “migraine triggers.” People who experience migraine headaches because of food allergies can reduce or eliminate their pain by eliminating the foods that cause the headaches.

It sounds simple, but it takes a little detective work to figure out which foods, if any, are causing the migraine headaches. So how can you determine which foods are the culprits? The logical way is to keep a diary of what you eat and when. Get a small notebook, with each page representing one day, and make three columns on each of the pages. The first column on the left side of the page will contain the hours in the day. The second column down the middle of the page will be a list of the foods eaten that day. And the third column on the right side of the page will list the symptoms headaches that you experience.

Here’s how the food diary works if you had an orange, cereal and milk for breakfast at 8 AM you would write “orange, cereal, milk” in the middle food column directly to the right of 8 AM in the left time column. Make a note of everything that you eat on this list and at what time you ate them.

Next, whenever you experience a migraine headache write “migraine headache” or “headache” in the right symptoms column that corresponds with the time in the left column your headache began. For example, if you started feeling pain from one of your migraine headaches at 2 PM you would write “headache” in the right symptoms column directly across from 2 PM in the left time column.

Once you’ve had enough time to experience a few migraine headaches you will be able to examine your food diary to determine which foods you ate shortly before you began experiencing your pain. For example, if you had 3 migraine headaches over a one-month period, and you had milk shortly before each of the migraine attacks, milk may be the culprit. It may take a few weeks or even a few months to come to any conclusions, but over time, by figuring out which foods or ingredients in these foods, are causing your pain, you will be able to eliminate these ingredients and relieve your pain caused by these foods.

Probably the most common cause of headaches is just plain old stress. People who experience tension in their lives can get headaches from their increased tension. Stress can be caused by many things including work-related stress or family-related stress. And although it’s not always possible to eliminate the cause of the stress it is often possible to relieve the muscle tension and pain that originates from the stress.

Biofeedback training as explained above is one way to help reduce stress. Other ways are taking a warm bath or shower, lying down and relaxing in a quiet dark room, having someone massage your neck and head temporal region muscles to help relieve your tension and muscle spasms or placing something cold ice on the back of the neck at the base of the skull. When using ice it should not be placed directly on the skin. Some wet paper towels that have had the water wrung out of them should be placed between the ice and the skin. Regular exercise can also, over time, reduce tension.

We have discussed 5 natural treatment methods that are available to migraine headache patients. They are all considered safe and are effective for many people. There are many other natural treatment methods out there for you to try. If you have headaches it may be beneficial for you to try some of these treatments or search for others on your own. But as a word of advice, it is always a good idea to talk with a chiropractor or medical doctor before treating yourself for a health condition.

Headaches are comprised of two major categories, primary and secondary. Headaches belonging to the primary group are not caused by underlying medical conditions while secondary headaches are the result of a medical condition such as trauma, infection or possibly even a brain tumor. Most headaches belong in the primary category.

The primary category headaches include migraine headaches and tension headaches. These two headache types are the most common of all headaches with tension-type headaches being the most common. Tension headaches constitute about 75 of all headaches while migraine headaches affect as many as 30 or 40 million Americans, or approximately 10 or more of the American population.

Migraine headaches can become chronic in nature, but are typically experienced at most once or twice a week, not daily. Females experience the pain of migraines about 3 times as often as males, or about 75 of the time. Migraine headaches can be severe and disabling. They can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and a sensitivity to light. About 20 of migraine patients will experience an aura. An aura is a disturbance in vision that consists of brightly colored blinking lights that move across a person’s field of vision.

There are many types of treatment methods that are available to migraine sufferers, both natural and unnatural. The most common method of treatment are pain relievers that are bought without a prescription, or over-the-counter. Non-prescription drugs can include aspirin, Tylenol acetaminophen, Motrin ibuprofen, or a combination of acetaminophen and aspirin. These are the most commonly purchased types of non-prescription pain relievers. Migraine headache patients experiencing more severe pain may need prescription medicine.

There are also many types of natural treatment methods that don’t involve the use of non-prescription or prescription medications. These methods of treatment can often relieve migraine headache symptoms and are increasingly gaining popularity in today’s society as people are becoming more educated on the potentially dangerous side effects of drugs. One of these natural treatment methods is putting an ice pack on the back of the neck at the base of the skull. When using an ice pack there should be a barrier between the ice pack and the skin such as a wetted cloth or t-shirt that has had the water squeezed out of it. Ice therapy can lessen the flow of blood to the head resulting in less pressure in the head. It can often help relieve the throbbing pain of a migraine headache by decreasing the flow of blood to the head. It is often beneficial for a person to put their feet in a container of warm water at the same time. This can have the effect of attracting the blood to the feet instead of to the head.

Migraine headaches can sometimes be caused by foods and can be prevented by eliminating these food triggers. Foods that can trigger migraine headaches include, but are not limited to, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, MSG monosodium glutamate, nuts, cheese, beans, onions and others. Eliminating the trigger may eliminate the migraines.

Another natural treatment method for migraine headaches is simply to reduce stress by relaxing. Many migraines are caused by stress, so eliminating the stress can relieve the pain. Relieving stress can sometimes be achieved by getting plenty of sleep, lying down in a dark quiet room, or a combination of lying down in a dark quiet room with a small ice pack positioned on the neck at the base of the skull as explained above.

This article is a general overview with regard to natural migraine headache treatment methods and may not apply to everyone. As always it is a good idea to seek the help of a professional before treating yourself for a potentially serious health condition.